I was wrong when I said Tigger was not returning to work until Wednesday (today): unbeknownst to me they had changed her hours so that she ended up working Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday this week. Confusing? It certainly is, but you learn to live with it and it’s still better than working 5 days a week, though I expect we shall return to that pattern soon when “furlough” arrangements finally end.

Yesterday, I was lazy and stayed at home all day. I read and pottered about and did nothing of any great moment. Still, the occasional downtime doesn’t hurt and may even be good for one. Today, however, I had something I wanted to do.

The “Cutting Bar”

First on today’s agenda was a visit to the “Cutting Bar” in White Lion Street. I don’t remember when we had our hair cut last but it was some weeks ago and mine was now uncomfortably long. As Tigger wasn’t ready yet for a meeting with the shears, I went on my own.

In an age when barbers charge £25 before even picking up the scissors, basic hair-cutting establishments like this are a godsend. For £8, you receive a perfectly good haircut, done to your specifications. Why do people pay the exorbitant prices at what are increasingly called “Grooming Parlours”? Vanity, perhaps. My purse has no vanity and both it and I are happy with the service provided by the men and women at the “cutting bar”. (Yes, they have male and female “cutters”, both equally expert.)

Colourful bunting at Angel Central

Freshly shorn, I decided to go for a little walk before returning home. I started by walking along Upper Street. This is not my favourite place to walk but it’s as well to keep tabs on it and the changes that are going on all the time. The pandemic has led to the closure of shops and businesses at a faster rate than ever before and many premises are standing empty. I passed by the entrance to Angel Central and saw it was decorated with coloured bunting. This is presumably to do with their “Summer Fête”, about which we have received flyers through the door.

Public call box, modern style

It’s a long time since I last used a public phone – probably a couple of decades or more – and though I have noticed that the traditional red kiosks have given way more modern versions, I haven’t paid close attention to the changes. I was therefore somewhat bemused to see in this open-fronted kiosk a notice in large print beneath the handset:

Free phone calls only
No cash accepted

Apart from the emergency services, who else can you call for free in this day and age? I can’t imagine there are many or that this phone sees much use.

Mountain Warehouse

The name of this shop always gives me pause for thought . It’s a perfectly good shop and I have bought things here myself, but the name seems infelicitous somehow. Every time I pass, a voice in my head says “Whoa, having bought your mountain, how do you carry it home?” A silly joke, yes, but I suppose little things please little minds.

Monument to Sir Hugh Myddelton

Prominently sited beside Islington Green is the Grade II listed monument to Sir Hugh Myddelton, financier of the New River Project. The Historic England listing reads “Statue of Sir Hugh Myddelton. 1862 by John Thomas. Standing figure in Sicilian marble on a pedestal of grey granite, flanked by putti with urns forming part of a fountain. The statue presented jointly by Sir Samuel Morton Peto, the New River Company, and the people of Islington.”

Showing signs of damage

While time has dealt lightly with the figure of Sir Hugh, the same cannot be said for the accompanying figures. Both they and the urns they are handling shows wear and damage.

Sir Hugh’s name occurs often in street and park names in the borough and for the very good reason that his famous project, meritorious in its own right, has greatly influenced the layout of streets and other features of the neighbourhood. There is a sense in which Sir Hugh’s presence is felt right up to the present.

Islington Green from Essex Road

After greeting Sir Hugh, I started along Essex Road, pausing to take a photo of the green over the railings. The green is a pleasant area in which to sit although it tends to be crowded because of its proximity to busy roads. In the photo you can just make out the circular war memorial, a unique and somewhat curious design for its purpose. Sculpted by John Maine, it was installed in 2007, replacing an earlier, more conventional, memorial which the Council claimed had fallen into an irreparably poor condition. See here for an account of that old memorial.

A meadow on the Green

I also photographed this bed of long grasses and colourful flowers that resembled a spring meadow, a cheerful sight even on a dull day.

Old and new rub shoulders

Looking across the road, this pair of buildings struck me as typical of much of London today, where old buildings stand cheek by jowl with modern structures. They seem to co-exist but every year more of the elegantly styled old buildings are destroyed to make way for the new. Will these boring iron and glass heaps be valued, a hundred and fifty years from now, as we – well, some of us – value the lovely older buildings? Come to that, will these hurriedly built structures even exist a hundred and fifty years from now? From the way things are going, I have my doubts.

Am I being watched?

I now began to feel I was being watched. Yes! A face is peering at me through the glass of that door. It turns out to be a dummy, though why it is there, I have no idea.

Get Stuffed

The caption is not an imprecation but is the name of the shop, belonging to a taxidermist. It’s not a good photo because the screens over the windows make it hard to see what is within. In one sense, that is a blessing, because the shop is full of dead animals or, more accurately, their skins, preserved and padded to give a semblance of life. I do not approve of such businesses because it is quite wrong, in my opinion, to kill living creatures to make “exhibits”, especially just for decoration.

On the other hand, this shop reminds me of my childhood when I would drag my mother into the museum in Brighton “to see the animals”. In those days, Brighton Museum had an extensive collection of preserved animals and in my state of childhood innocence I loved to visit them. They have now all been done away with, except for those moved to the Booth Museum of Natural Science. So while I disapprove of collecting living creatures in this way, I have to admit the influence of those long ago in the museum that first began to shape my attitudes to nature and living creatures.

Astey’s Row and its rock garden

A few steps more brought me to these steps which lead to a narrow street called Astey’s Row (after one John Astey who, in the 18th century had a dwelling hereabouts). Beside is runs another of those “linear gardens”, as the Council calls them, narrow gardens hemmed in on either side by streets.

The path through the rock garden

I don’t know whether the rocks are real or artificial, though I suspect the latter. The “linear gardens“ owe their existence to – did you guess? – Sir Hugh’s New River. It still exists but in places has been covered over and gardens made on top of it. We thus owe Sir Hugh for his water and for some pleasant gardens in which to sit and stroll.

Flowering bushes

The path meanders along between rocks, trees and shrubs. I photographed two bushes covered with flowers.

Fallen tree, left in place

There was also a fallen tree that has been left in place, perhaps as a “feature” but also to serve as food and refuge for the smaller denizens of the gardens.

Nearing the end of the garden

Finding myself near the end of the linear garden, I decided to turn back. The weather forecast had predicted rain later this morning and, though I had my folding umbrella with me, I didn’t want to be caught out in the rain.

Aboard the 73

I decided to take the bus back and soon found a stop where I could catch a 73 bus. I sat at the back downstairs, as this photo shows.

I hope it is not vain of me to think you might be curious for a glimpse of my new coiffure. Here, then, is the shorn head for your delectation, courtesy of the bathroom mirror:

SilverTiger shorn

We went out for a short local walk this morning.

Ladybird without spots?
Photo by Tigger

We hadn’t gone far before Tigger noticed something unusual on a leaf. It appears to be a ladybird without spots and of a light orange colour rather than the usual red. Or does it belong to a quite different species altogether?

Sandwich board man

Our next sighting was of something I have not seen for quite a while: a sandwich board man, walking along the street, advertising a gym company. He stopped to make a phone call, providing the chance of a photo.

Cloudy weather

According to the forecast, it is cloudy-sunny today but so far we have seen only the cloudy fraction. It is warm, though, but humid, giving an unpleasant “close” feeling.

A bag on the door knob

We have noticed this bag hanging on a door knob before. What is its purpose? Is it to receive a delivery or does it contain something to be collected? Mystery.

Myddelton’s, all tables free

We passed by Myddelton’s deli and saw that all the tables were free. However, we had an errand to run before stopping for coffee and guessed that by the time we returned, the tables would be occupied. Were we right?

St Helena Street

We passed along here or our way back to the deli.

Crow finding food
Photo by Tigger

In Lloyd Square we stopped to observe a crow who was finding food in the road, perhaps seeds fallen for the trees.

Sitting outside Myddelton’s

When we reached the deli, we found that our guess was right: most of the tables were now taken. There was just one left, however, which Tigger occupied while I went inside to order coffee.

Coffee!

We made the most of our opportunity and sat for quite a while, sipping coffee and watching activity in Amwell Street.

“Are we going soon?”

At the table next to ours was a man with a small dog. He engaged in a long phone call and his dog tried to keep occupied but sometimes, as here, seemed to ask whether they could leave now, please. His pleas passed in vain and we departed before there was any sign of movement from his man.

Myddelton Square Gardens

We walked along to Myddelton Square and sat in the gardens for a while. It was very quiet and there were few other people there.

A view from the bench

We found a bench looking across the gardens to the church. Despite the muggy conditions, it was pleasant sitting there.

They came in hope

It wasn’t long before we noticed a pair of pigeons walking determinedly towards us. When they reached our bench, they continually walked round and round us, looking hopefully at the ground in front of us, obviously expecting food.

“Got anything for us?”
Photo by Tigger

I’m sure they recognised us as people who have given them food in the past and were hoping we would repeat the exploit. Unfortunately, we had nothing for them today and their expectations were disappointed.

Raspberry treat
Photo by Tigger

We made our way home where a treat awaited: raspberries! We had bought them yesterday when doing our shopping at Sainsbury’s and forgotten we had them.

According to the weather forecast, this morning would be cloudy though dry but there would be thunderstorms and rain all afternoon. We thought we should at least be able to do our shopping before the rains came.

The Farmers’ Market

As usual, we passed through Chapel Market on the way to Sainsbury’s. It was as busy as expected and the Sunday Farmers’ Market was taking place.

The crockery stall

The crockery stall is one among many that are present only on Sunday. Where are they the rest of the week? Do they attend other markets or stay at home? Unless we happen on them by chance somewhere else, we will probably never know.

Sainsbury’s, averagely busy

Sainsbury’s was averagely busy but we had prepared in advance (including choosing our items in the points game) so we had finished fairly quickly. At the checkout, we saw that they are already beginning to remove some of the safety screens erected to protect from infection. The screens around the till operators remain but those between the queues of customers are disappearing. I can see no good reason for this as they do no harm and cause no hindrance so why not leave them in place for extra protection?

On my way through the market

Following tradition, on leaving Sainsbury’s, I took the cup holder and dashed through the market to Mercer’s.

Through the window at Mercer’s

These days, Mercer’s, like other coffee shops, allows customers to sit inside as well as at tables outside. They seem to have given up all pretence of providing for a degree of social distancing and none of the staff were wearings masks. I was the only one to do so. I won’t waste my time expressing my opinion of this as I expect you can guess what I think of it.

After lunch, Tigger wanted to go for a walk, taking in Myddelton’s deli on the way. By now, however, we could hear thunder rumbling and a glance through the window showed rain pelting down.

We waited a while, hoping the rain would stop. Optimistic or what? 🙂 But, actually, it did stop and so we hurried out because the deli closes at 3 pm on Sundays.

A wet world

We ventured into a wet world with puddles everywhere. London’s roads and pavements have been dug up so many times that any memory of them being flat and level has been lost. What drains exist are often blocked and the road and pavement surfaces no longer slope towards them in any case. This results in huge puddles forming.

Under the umbrella

As we progressed along, it began to rain again. I carry a folding umbrella in my handbag and, even though we were wearing rain jackets, it seemed a good idea to deploy it. As my hands were occupied, Tigger took this photo.

Church and Curvaceous Tree

I did relinquish control of the brolly to take the above photo, despite the rain, because the light seemed just right for photographing my Curvaceous Tree.

From the door of the deli

Having bought our coffee, we prepared to leave the deli. At this point, it was raining slightly, nothing to worry about, or so it seemed.

The heavens opened

But as we stepped into the street, the heavens opened, and a downpour began. We quickly took refuge under the shop’s canopy but even so, by the time we did so, the compressed paper cup holder had begun to disintegrate and we abandoned it, each carrying a cup of hot coffee. How long would we be stuck here like bedraggled sheep under a tree?

Happily, after a while, the rain eased somewhat and so we broke for home while we could.

Will tomorrow bring more clement conditions? Tigger returns to work only on Wednesday so we hope the next couple of days will bring kinder weather but in this country there are no guarantees!

As the hour of my aforementioned clinic appointment drew near, we set out. We like to leave plenty of time to guard against delays.

The bus arrives

We went to the bus stop in St John Street to catch the number 19 which you see arriving above.

Painted façade in Laycock Street

We left the bus and entered Laycock Street where the clinic is situated. I noticed two façades, of which one is pictured above, that had been painted in complex patterns.

Laycock Green

Laycock Street runs beside a small park called Laycock Green where we went to wait for it to be time for my appointment. In the park are several strange hummocks or tumuli. I don’t know their origin.

A bench opposite the clinic

We found a bench, as we did last time, in sight of the clinic, where we settled down to wait. I set my phone’s alarm for 10 minutes before appointment time.

The waiting room

The waiting room was empty and no other patients arrived while we were there but, even so, I wasn’t called until at least 15 minutes after my nominal appointment time.

Back in Upper Street

Afterwards, we walked along Upper Street, looking for somewhere to have coffee.

The Workers’ Cafe
Photo by Tigger

We ended up at the Workers’ Cafe where we have already been a number of times.

Milk shake and smoothie

Instead of coffee, we had a milk shake (Tigger) and a smoothie, respectively.

Pancake

We allowed ourselves to be tempted and had a pancake each. They came with maple syrup and what I think was cream cheese. To be honest, I was a little disappointed with it.

Sunshine on the town hall

In defiance of the weather forecast, the sun came out and I photographed the town hall bathed in unexpected sunshine.

The old police station

Tigger proposed walking home so we set off along Upper Street. We passed the old police station (closed and not replaced) and…

Spire of St Mary’s Church

…I photographed the spire of St Mary’s Church, rising picturesquely above the trees.

Islington Green

We went into Islington Green, which was quite busy – not surprising, given the sunshine and its easy accessibility between main roads.

Monument to Bob the Street Cat

Bob the Street Cat
Photo by Tigger

We visited the monument to Bob the Street Cat. (Explanation and details will be found here.)

A live cat

After sitting on the Green fir a while, we continued on our way home. On the way, we spotted another cat, but a live one, this time. I managed to snatch a photo.

The market was closing

We passed throughChapel Market but the market itself was closing down for the day and most of the stalls had already disappeared.

The Three Johns

As we approached home, my last photo was of the pub called the Three Johns, and the people sitting outside, making the most of the sunshine. I am now looking forward to a relaxing evening at home with Tigger.

The heatwave has finally broken. The cooler weather has of course brought rain and thunderstorms with it. We have been enjoying the cooler temperature (around 18°C).

Cloudy skies

I have a clinic appointment later today and so this morning we went out just for coffee and a stroll locally. The above view from Claremont Square gives an idea of the conditions.

Myddelton Square Gardens

We passed through the gardens in Myddelton Square, which are still pretty, even in dull conditions, but we didn’t stop.

Snail enjoying the humid conditions

There were quite a few snails about, and not only in the gardens: I rescued one that was boldly crossing the pavement and was therefore in danger of being walked on. I imagine that they like the damp conditions which make it easier for them to move about and feed.

Electra’s bicycle

We spied “Electra”’s bicycle (the white one) tethered to the railings. Electra herself, aka the Circling Cyclist, was not visible.

At the deli

It was not raining when we reached the deli and so we sat outside with our coffee. Opposite the deli (not visible above) is a shop and while we were having our coffee, the assistant arrived and proceeded to unlock the door. There are several locks on the door, including one at the top.

Standing on a stool

The assistant is too short to reach the lock at the top of the door. Therefore, she brings with her a bag containing a folding stool and opens this to stand on.

Belisha beacons

In the dull conditions, the flashing lights of the Belisha beacons at the pedestrian crossing were more noticeable than usual.

A glimpse of the waterworks

After coffee, we went for our stroll. I took the above view of the waterworks area through the railings. This is still known as the New River Head as it was the termination of Sir High Myddelton’s famous project. These days, the water is buried deep underground and Thames Water’s Ring Main passes through here.

Hardwicke Street

We passed along Hardwicke Street which makes the southern edge of the New River Head site.

A small road island

At the end of Hardwicke Street is this strange little road island. For inhabitants it has these two fine mature trees. Both the island and the road bear the signs of repairs made necessary by the expanding roots of the trees.

Grand doorway

In passing, I photographed the grand doorway of what was originally the offices of the New River Company and is now a residential block.

Spa Green Gardens

We entered Spa Green Gardens. We saw only two other people there, a dog walker and a man sitting on a bench near the entrance who was apparently noting people’s coming and goings. Perhaps he is doing a survey for the Council.

War memorial and pigeons

The garden’s pigeon population treat the memorial as a useful perch where they are safe from marauding dogs and humans and can keep watch on the availability of food.

The old laboratories

Making our way back, we passed the old laboratories built by the water board which have since been converted into a residential block.

Gardens and old offices

I took a photo through the railings of the old NRC offices (where I photographed the doorway above). I think the turret is purely decorative though it might have had a purpose.

The pub vine

Entering Myddelton Passage, we could check in that other obsession of ours, the pub vine. I’m happy to report that it is flourishing and…

A fine crop of grapes

…has already produced a fine crop of grapes – no doubt encouraged by the recent heatwave. I don’t expect that the grapes will be edible but they are impressive nonetheless.

The “Bonus Cat”

Do you remember the Bonus Cat? (See The Bonus Cat.) we had not managed to photograph any cats today but one turned up at the last moment. This is the one we “discovered” on a previous occasion and jokingly called the bonus cat. This is not the best cat photo ever but we do the best we can!

Familiar scene on a grey day

With a last look at the familiar scene, we made for home where we had lunch in preparation for this afternoon’s outing, of which more anon.